Do You Want A Receipt? Yes. Always.

David is a graduate student in a writing program at a large state university in the largest city on the East Coast of the USA. A year ago he was looking for a place and found a Roommate Wanted sign at the laundromat near campus. Dave called the number, talked to "Len" the guy who was looking for the roommate and they agreed to meet.  Dave met Len at the place. It was small and the rent was kind of high but that is typical of the area which is  close to several major universities.  The place was close to campus and Len seemed friendly and easy going.  Dave noticed Len was a little older than the average student roommate type but Dave was only looking for a room not a party buddy.  Because of the location and because Dave needed a place quick he said yes. Len said he wanted Dave's share in cash and Dave agreed, paid up and moved in.

The term began and as it went on Dave was pretty well consumed with his program and his duties as a TA.  Len came and went at irregular hours often arriving back pretty wasted. Dave's conversations with Len were few but when they did talk Len described himself as the son of a couple prominent in entertainment on the West Coast.  When Dave mentioned his writing program  Len  promised to forward anything Dave came up with to "people in development on the coast."  Dave, while intrigued, shrugged off  the offer as a kind of after hours barroom boasting.

Dave continued to pay his share  in cash on the first of the month until one day in the middle of November an irate older woman showed up at the door.  She demanded to talk to Len.  Dave said he had not been home for a while but he could give him a message.  The woman then stated she was the owner, had not seen Dave in months and had not received any rent since September.   Dave explained he had paid his share in cash and had no idea that Len was not paying the rent as agreed.

The owner was not satisfied and demanded all of the back due rent. Dave had very little cash and as a result he had to vacate.  He moved in with friends, slept on their couch until he end of the term. Spring semester, with a little help from his folks, Dave moved back to campus.

Real basic lesson which cannot be emphasized enough here on Planet College.  Always, always, ALWAYS,  get a receipt. Always get a receipt. 

With a receipt Dave may have had a chance to remain in the place at least until the end of the month. With nothing Dave had no chance.

Once again, as always, Planet College emphasizes the value of a paper record of any significant transaction in which you engage.  This especially applies to rent. No matter what the circumstances, always, especially if you are paying cash, always get a receipt.